oil thermostat opening temperature is appropriate?
08-08-2016, 07:40 AM
#41
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iTrader: (1)
Serious note, here are a few things I like in my opinion to note about oil temp:
- The combustion process creates H20 as one of it's many by products. Especially now with ethanol fuel.
- Water cooled exhaust creates more condensation inside the exhaust (temp and humidity differences inside vs outside exhaust system)
- Cooler block water temps vs oil leads to more condensation
More oil heat will get rid of h20 in the oil faster. How fast do we need to get rid of it ? That depends on many things including : time of each 'trip' the engine goes on, how much oil the engine holds , what average temp the oil reaches,crankcase breathing set up, blowby, and many other factors.
Short trip boating needs more running oil temp to reduce h20 content.
That said.......many people will agree that an engine should reach near 180*F oil temp before WFO (that's wide f'n open , lol) for proper oil flow. Where people disagree is the max oil temp that should not be exceeded - most opinions will fall between 230 and 250*F. This max is not decided upon removing h20, but is about oil health - additive depletion, sludge buildup, mainting viscosity, etc,etc.
So............for most boat engines keeping a minimum oil temp of 180*F will meet the needs of most every boater.
Since 212*F is under the max oil temp anyone believes in, this is fine too obviously.
Pick your poison (opinion)
- The combustion process creates H20 as one of it's many by products. Especially now with ethanol fuel.
- Water cooled exhaust creates more condensation inside the exhaust (temp and humidity differences inside vs outside exhaust system)
- Cooler block water temps vs oil leads to more condensation
More oil heat will get rid of h20 in the oil faster. How fast do we need to get rid of it ? That depends on many things including : time of each 'trip' the engine goes on, how much oil the engine holds , what average temp the oil reaches,crankcase breathing set up, blowby, and many other factors.
Short trip boating needs more running oil temp to reduce h20 content.
That said.......many people will agree that an engine should reach near 180*F oil temp before WFO (that's wide f'n open , lol) for proper oil flow. Where people disagree is the max oil temp that should not be exceeded - most opinions will fall between 230 and 250*F. This max is not decided upon removing h20, but is about oil health - additive depletion, sludge buildup, mainting viscosity, etc,etc.
So............for most boat engines keeping a minimum oil temp of 180*F will meet the needs of most every boater.
Since 212*F is under the max oil temp anyone believes in, this is fine too obviously.
Pick your poison (opinion)
08-08-2016, 09:03 AM
#42
Registered
iTrader: (3)
Well just to keep you guys updated. I THINK I bought the 185 degree stat. I can't really remember!!!!! Got the oil up to 180 degrees after about 40-45 miles at 3500. I'm on the right track. I guess I'll go with a warmer thermostat when I get the chance and the money. Much much less "cheese" in the oil. Got some oil blowing out the dip stick. Need to do a leak down test. Breathers aren't obstructed. Only happens after wide open throttle run. We will see. One thing at a time. Thanks for all the help
